Matthew 5:4
Verse
Context
Sermons






Summary
Commentary
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted--This "mourning" must not be taken loosely for that feeling which is wrung from men under pressure of the ills of life, nor yet strictly for sorrow on account of committed sins. Evidently it is that entire feeling which the sense of our spiritual poverty begets; and so the second beatitude is but the complement of the first. The one is the intellectual, the other the emotional aspect of the same thing. It is poverty of spirit that says, "I am undone"; and it is the mourning which this causes that makes it break forth in the form of a lamentation--"Woe is me! for I am undone." Hence this class are termed "mourners in Zion," or, as we might express it, religious mourners, in sharp contrast with all other sorts (Isa 61:1-3; Isa 66:2). Religion, according to the Bible, is neither a set of intellectual convictions nor a bundle of emotional feelings, but a compound of both, the former giving birth to the latter. Thus closely do the first two beatitudes cohere. The mourners shall be "comforted." Even now they get beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness. Sowing in tears, they reap even here in joy. Still, all present comfort, even the best, is partial, interrupted, short-lived. But the days of our mourning shall soon be ended, and then God shall wipe away all tears from our eyes. Then, in the fullest sense, shall the mourners be "comforted."
John Gill Bible Commentary
Blessed are they that mourn,.... For sin, for their own sins; the sin of their nature, indwelling sin, which is always working in them, and is a continual grief of mind to them; the unbelief of their hearts, notwithstanding the many instances, declarations, promises, and discoveries of grace made unto them; their daily infirmities, and many sins of life, because they are committed against a God of love, grace, and mercy, grieve the Spirit, and dishonour the Gospel of Christ: who mourn also for the sins of others, for the sins of the world, the profaneness and wickedness that abound in it; and more especially for the sins of professors, by reason of which, the name of God, and ways of Christ, are evil spoken of: who likewise mourn under afflictions, spiritual ones, temptations, desertions, and declensions; temporal ones, their own, which they receive, either more immediately from the hand of God, or from men; such as they endure for the sake of Christ, and the profession of his Gospel; and who sympathize with others in their afflictions. These, how sorrowful and distressed soever they may appear, are blessed for they shall be comforted: here in this life, by the God of all comfort, by Christ the comforter; by the Spirit of God, whose work and office it is to comfort; by the Scriptures of truth, which are written for their consolation; by the promises of the Gospel, through which the heirs of promise have strong consolation; by the ordinances of it, which are breasts of consolation; and by the ministers of the word, who have a commission from the Lord to speak comfortably to them; and then are they comforted, when they have the discoveries of the love of God, manifestations of pardoning grace, through the blood of Christ, and enjoy the divine presence: and they shall be comforted hereafter; when freed from all the troubles of this life, they shall be blessed with uninterrupted communion with Father, Son, and Spirit, and with the happy society of angels and glorified saints. Isa 61:1 seems to be referred to, both in this, and in the preceding verse.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
5:4 Those who mourn were those who lamented the spiritual and national condition of Israel (see 23:37-39; Isa 61:2-3; Joel 1:8-13; 2:12-13, 18-19; Rom 9:1-5; 1 Cor 5:2; Jas 4:9). Personal grief, whether caused by sin or tragedy, may also be in view (Mark 16:10; Rev 18:11, 19). • will be comforted: The passive voice is used out of reverence for the holy name of God; the phrase could also be rendered God will comfort them (see also Matt 5:6-7, 9). Comfort will accompany the fulfillment of all that God has promised (Isa 40:1-2; 61:2-3).
Matthew 5:4
The Beatitudes
3“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 4Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. 5Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
The Burdens of Ravenhill - Part 2 (Compilation)
By Leonard Ravenhill13K10:23CompilationJER 6:14MAT 5:4MAT 23:37LUK 4:18LUK 6:45LUK 19:41PHP 3:18In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of being anointed by God to preach the word. He highlights the brokenness and suffering in the world and the need for God's healing. The preacher calls for servants of God who are willing to weep and be brokenhearted for the brokenness they see. He also emphasizes the need for prophets in this generation, drawing examples from the Bible. The sermon concludes with a reminder of the power of God working through believers, using the apostle Paul as an example of someone who was filled with God's presence and endured persecution.
Think Hard, Stay Humble: The Life of the Mind and the Peril of Pride
By Francis Chan7.9K1:07:52PrideMAT 5:4MAT 22:39MAT 28:191CO 11:11TH 5:11HEB 10:24HEB 13:7In this sermon, the speaker addresses the audience's awareness of the suffering and struggles faced by their brothers and sisters around the world. He emphasizes the importance of considering the needs of others, particularly those who are less fortunate and facing dire circumstances. The speaker urges the audience to examine their own lives and actions, questioning whether they are truly living in a way that reflects the love and teachings of Jesus. He highlights the significance of love and compassion for one another, as well as the motivation to learn and understand the word of God in order to effectively help and love others.
It's Friday but Sunday Is Coming
By Tony Campolo5.8K1:01:02MAT 4:17MAT 5:4MAT 16:24MAT 22:37MAT 25:35MRK 10:21MRK 16:15LUK 14:331JN 1:91JN 2:15This sermon emphasizes the call to repentance and radical surrender to Jesus, focusing on the need to confess sins, surrender worldly possessions, and commit to serving God wholeheartedly. It challenges listeners to become missionaries in various vocations, to love and serve others sacrificially, and to prioritize the kingdom of God above all else.
"Weep and You Weep Alone"
By Leonard Ravenhill3.6K00:26PSA 34:18PSA 51:17MAT 5:4JAS 4:8This sermon emphasizes the contrast between worldly joy and the depth of spiritual connection with God through weeping and humility. It highlights the importance of genuine emotional expression in the church community and the profound experience of being close to the heart of God, as seen in a powerful Friday night prayer meeting where God's presence brought humility and brokenness.
(Biographies) William Tyndale
By John Piper3.2K1:18:44NUM 6:24MAT 5:4MAT 6:9MAT 26:41LUK 22:62JHN 1:1ROM 3:28In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of justification by grace through faith alone, apart from works of the law. He emphasizes that this concept is at the heart of the Bible and a passion for Bible translation. The speaker highlights the influence of Tyndale, a translator, preacher, poet, dramatist, and journalist, who played a significant role in bringing the gospel to the common man through his translation of the Bible. The sermon also explores how Tyndale achieved this remarkable accomplishment by emphasizing the need for pastors to think and work hard to achieve spiritual goals.
Beatitudes - Part 4
By Leonard Ravenhill3.0K1:11:20BeatitudesMAT 5:1MAT 5:4LUK 6:12In this sermon, the preacher discusses the conditions and experiences of the apostle Paul as a minister of God. He highlights the various challenges and hardships that Paul faced, including afflictions, imprisonments, and distresses. The preacher emphasizes the importance of demonstrating patience, purity, knowledge, and kindness in serving God. He also mentions the power of the Holy Ghost, the word of God, and the armor of righteousness in Paul's ministry. The sermon concludes by emphasizing the joy, peace, and spiritual riches that come from knowing and serving God.
A Call to Anguish by David Wilkerson
By Compilations2.6K07:242CH 7:14PSA 34:18ISA 66:2JOL 2:12MAT 5:4ROM 12:11GAL 6:2EPH 6:18JAS 4:8This sermon emphasizes the importance of anguish in the church and in individual believers' lives, highlighting the need for deep sorrow and distress over the spiritual condition of the church and the world. It calls for a return to true passion for Christ, which is born out of a baptism of anguish and a genuine burden for the things that break God's heart. The message challenges believers to move beyond mere concern to a place of deep prayer, weeping, and seeking God's heart in order to see true renewal and revival.
Call for the Wailing Women - Part 4
By Nancy Leigh DeMoss2.3K08:54ISA 32:17LAM 2:19MAT 5:4This sermon emphasizes the importance of women embodying a meek and quiet spirit that trusts in God, highlighting the need for repentance and mourning over sins such as immodesty, lack of discretion, prioritizing careers over family, and involvement in immoral relationships. It calls for women to weep over the state of the church and society, to take responsibility, warn others, and influence through their tears and grieving. The message encourages a shift from complacency to concern, from merriment to mourning, from isolation to influence, and from fear to faith, ultimately waiting on the Lord for transformation and restoration.
A Baptism of Tears for Israel
By Michael L. Brown2.2K36:43IsraelPSA 34:12MAT 5:4MAT 6:33MAT 23:37ROM 9:1ROM 9:4HEB 5:7In this sermon, the speaker addresses the state of the American body, particularly those who consider themselves charismatic or spirit-filled believers. He criticizes the tendency for believers to rely on formulas and a push-button approach to their faith, seeking instant results. The speaker emphasizes the importance of spiritual hunger and the need to go beyond simply asking God to move, but also speaking forth commands and decrees in alignment with Scripture. He shares stories of Jewish tradition and the dedication of Rabbi Akiva and his disciples, highlighting the power of sanctifying the name of the Lord and the consequences of slander.
The Great Cost of Unbelief - Part 6
By W.F. Kumuyi1.7K09:072KI 7:1MAT 5:4MRK 9:24LUK 1:13This sermon emphasizes the importance of belief and faith in God's promises, highlighting the consequences of unbelief and the need to trust in God's ability to fulfill His word. It warns against discouraging others with unbelief and encourages a heart of faith and surrender to God's sanctification and holiness.
(Divine Attributes) 10 the Awesome Knowledge of the Holy
By Denny Kenaston1.6K59:57Character Of GodISA 1:13ISA 6:3MAT 5:4HEB 1:91PE 2:91JN 1:5In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of God's holiness and its importance in understanding His mercy and love. He emphasizes that God's holiness is awe-inspiring and sets Him apart from anyone else. The preacher describes a scene from the Bible where angels, who are pure and holy themselves, humble themselves in the presence of the Lord by covering their faces and feet. This act of humility demonstrates the principle that all glory veils itself in the presence of God's glory.
Christ Is All - in Scripture
By Bill McLeod1.6K46:28Fulness Of ChristPSA 2:10PSA 40:7PSA 41:9MAT 1:21MAT 28:19MRK 14:62COL 3:11TIT 3:7PHM 1:1In this sermon, the speaker begins by referencing Mark 16 and Luke 1 from the Bible. He highlights how Jesus reproached his disciples for their lack of belief in his resurrection and then commanded them to preach the gospel to the world. The speaker also mentions that some versions of the Bible omit miracles and end with Jesus' death on the cross, portraying him as a good man and advocate of peace. However, the speaker emphasizes that the Bible is truly all about Jesus and explores the significance of his ministry and his role as the Son of God.
My Sorrows (Compilation)
By Compilations1.5K10:59CompilationISA 60:1MAL 4:5MAT 5:4MAT 10:30LUK 18:1REV 6:10REV 21:4In this sermon, the preacher expresses a concern about the current state of the religious scene, where there is a lack of desire for correction and reproof. The preacher criticizes the focus on man-made inventions and ministries, such as how-to conferences, instead of seeking Jesus above all else. The sermon emphasizes the need for a revival where young people are convicted and fall on their faces before God. The preacher also speaks about the coming of the Lord, describing both His vengeance upon those who reject Him and His glory upon the righteous.
Beggarly
By Bakht Singh1.3K1:19:41Beggarly1SA 2:7PSA 34:18PSA 55:22ISA 9:2ISA 53:5MAT 5:4MAT 11:28In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the theme of the beggar as mentioned in 1st Samuel chapter 2 verse 7 and 8. The preacher emphasizes that God sees us as beggars, helpless and in need of His grace. He describes the beggar as someone living in a dirty and filthy place, symbolizing our sinful state. However, the preacher also highlights God's love and mercy, as He lifts up the beggar from the dust and sets them on thrones of glory. The sermon encourages listeners to recognize their need for God's saving grace and to rely on His unchanging love.
Yosemite Bible Conference 1996-02 More Like Christ
By William MacDonald1.3K47:52Christ LikenessPSA 30:11ISA 42:3MAT 5:4MAT 19:14ROM 9:252CO 3:181PE 2:9In this sermon, the preacher, Robert Chapman, emphasizes the importance of having a servant's attitude. He acknowledges that serving others is not our natural inclination, but as believers, we are called to serve. The preacher shares a personal anecdote about being interrupted while writing a book to take care of his sick son, highlighting the unexpected opportunities for service that arise in our lives. He also mentions examples of other individuals, like a wealthy man doing dishes at a skid row mission and a Bible school professor cleaning up a mess in the men's room, who demonstrate a humble and servant-hearted approach to life. The sermon encourages listeners to follow the example of Jesus, who served others selflessly, and challenges them to consider if they are willing to change and embrace a servant's heart.
(Hebrews) ch.4:11-5:6
By Zac Poonen1.1K1:17:04MAT 5:4MAT 16:171CO 2:142TI 3:16HEB 4:11HEB 12:6In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of being filled with the Holy Spirit and not being controlled by our own emotions. The Word of God is described as a living and powerful tool that can discern the thoughts and intentions of our hearts. The preacher warns against falling into unbelief, using the example of the Israelites who failed to enter the promised land. To avoid this, believers are encouraged to be diligent and not wait for some future moment, but to seize the opportunity for salvation now. The sermon also highlights the significance of our motives in serving God, as even good actions can be tainted if our intentions are selfish or corrupt. The preacher explains the concept of the trinity of man, consisting of body, soul, and spirit, with the spirit being the part that connects us to God.
Nehemiah 6 - Part 2
By Joshua Daniel1.0K09:10NEH 1:4PSA 126:5ISA 53:3MAT 5:4ROM 12:15EPH 6:121PE 5:7This sermon emphasizes the importance of recognizing hindrances that come in the way of fulfilling God's promises, drawing parallels to Nehemiah's response to the fallen walls of Jerusalem. It challenges believers to weep for the brokenness of the world and to engage in heartfelt intercessory prayer rather than being consumed by entertainment-focused Christianity. The speaker highlights the need for genuine sorrow and burden for the lost, contrasting it with superficial emotional experiences in worship.
The Fully Surrendered Life
By Shane Idleman1.0K56:372CH 7:14PSA 34:18PSA 51:17PRO 2:1ISA 57:15JER 20:9MAT 5:4LUK 9:23JAS 4:8This sermon emphasizes the need for a fully surrendered life to God, highlighting the importance of breaking free from sin, arrogance, and fear. It challenges individuals to seek God with all their hearts, to be broken and humbled, and to experience true revival in their hearts and in the church.
(Audio Sermon) Freedom From Denominationalism
By Zac Poonen9461:03:442CH 16:9PSA 34:18PRO 6:16EZK 9:4MAT 5:41CO 1:112CO 12:20This sermon emphasizes the need to break free from denominationalism and focus on building solid local churches where genuine concern, weeping, and groaning over the spiritual condition are present. It highlights the importance of elders and believers having a shepherd's heart, seeking God's approval rather than man's, and prioritizing the kingdom of God above all else. The message urges individuals to be liberated from the cage of denominationalism and work towards creating churches that reflect the approval and glory of God.
Revival Conference 2007 - Part 10
By Denny Kenaston87406:352CH 7:14PSA 34:18PSA 51:17PSA 139:23PSA 145:18ISA 57:15MAT 5:4JAS 4:81PE 5:6This sermon emphasizes the unchanging path to revival through repentance, honesty, humility, and brokenness. It recounts the powerful impact of an evangelist who preached on sin, leading people to confession and conversion. The message calls for a genuine desire for the reality of God in our lives, willing to go through any humbling process to experience His presence.
God Wants to Comfort
By Basilea Schlink84304:35Radio ShowISA 66:13MAT 5:4JHN 11:43JHN 16:7In this sermon, Basilea Schlink discusses the topic of God's comfort in times of loss and grief. She emphasizes that while God may not bring our loved ones back to life, He has power over death and can transform our sorrow into joy. Schlink encourages listeners to have faith in Jesus and believe that He will reveal His miraculous power in their lives. She reminds them that Jesus loves them and wants to come to them in their deepest loneliness and reveal Himself. The sermon concludes with an invitation to receive a free leaflet from the author and a reminder that God lives and works today.
Somebody Prayed - Part 2 (Classic Audio Sermon Compilations)
By Compilations83109:06PSA 126:6PRO 11:30MAT 5:4LUK 19:41JHN 11:35ROM 12:152CO 2:4GAL 6:9JAS 5:16This sermon emphasizes the importance of genuine tears and heartfelt prayers in seeking God's intervention and salvation for others. It calls for a return to a deep, emotional connection with God, highlighting the power of weeping over lost souls and the need for a broken heart that truly cares for the salvation of others. The speaker shares personal experiences and examples of individuals deeply moved by the love of God, urging listeners to be sincere in their faith and to weep for those who are lost.
Weep Not for Me
By Vance Havner69537:44Christian LifeMAT 5:4MAT 6:33MAT 23:37MAT 24:15LUK 19:41LUK 21:20LUK 23:27In this sermon, the preacher reflects on the scene where Jesus is being crucified and the women are crying for him. He explains that Jesus was not a helpless victim, but willingly laid down his life according to God's plan. The preacher also discusses the advancements of science and technology, acknowledging their achievements but questioning their impact on humanity's moral character. He emphasizes the need for Christians, especially women, to weep and pray more, and to be vigilant in their spiritual lives. The sermon concludes with a call to action for the listeners to take the message to heart and make changes in their lives.
Repentance - the Way to Happiness
By Basilea Schlink64804:35Radio ShowPSA 34:18MAT 5:4MAT 7:7MAT 9:13MAT 22:11LUK 15:202CO 12:9In this sermon, Basilia Schlink emphasizes that God wants to demonstrate His power in the lives of the weak, the helpless, and the sinners. Repentance and contrition are the keys to experiencing true happiness and joy. The story of the prodigal son in Luke chapter 15 is used as an example of how repentance leads to a loving and welcoming embrace from the Heavenly Father. The sermon encourages listeners to turn to Jesus with their sins and guilt, as His arms are always open to embrace the repentant sinner and offer forgiveness and transformation.
How to Draw Down the Grace of God
By Basilea Schlink64504:35Radio ShowPSA 34:18PSA 51:17ISA 57:15MAT 5:4LUK 15:10JAS 4:101PE 5:6In this sermon, Basilia Schlink discusses the importance of repentance and weeping over one's sins in order to draw down the grace of God. She shares a personal encounter with a leader of a foreign ministry who struggled with a deep desire to be important, even in his work for the Lord. Despite recognizing his sin, he did not repent, which saddened Schlink as she knew he was heading towards God's judgment. She contrasts this with the example of Sister Claudia, who constantly wept over her sins and sought forgiveness from Jesus. Through her repentance and tears, Claudia experienced the transforming power of God's grace in her life.
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted--This "mourning" must not be taken loosely for that feeling which is wrung from men under pressure of the ills of life, nor yet strictly for sorrow on account of committed sins. Evidently it is that entire feeling which the sense of our spiritual poverty begets; and so the second beatitude is but the complement of the first. The one is the intellectual, the other the emotional aspect of the same thing. It is poverty of spirit that says, "I am undone"; and it is the mourning which this causes that makes it break forth in the form of a lamentation--"Woe is me! for I am undone." Hence this class are termed "mourners in Zion," or, as we might express it, religious mourners, in sharp contrast with all other sorts (Isa 61:1-3; Isa 66:2). Religion, according to the Bible, is neither a set of intellectual convictions nor a bundle of emotional feelings, but a compound of both, the former giving birth to the latter. Thus closely do the first two beatitudes cohere. The mourners shall be "comforted." Even now they get beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness. Sowing in tears, they reap even here in joy. Still, all present comfort, even the best, is partial, interrupted, short-lived. But the days of our mourning shall soon be ended, and then God shall wipe away all tears from our eyes. Then, in the fullest sense, shall the mourners be "comforted."
John Gill Bible Commentary
Blessed are they that mourn,.... For sin, for their own sins; the sin of their nature, indwelling sin, which is always working in them, and is a continual grief of mind to them; the unbelief of their hearts, notwithstanding the many instances, declarations, promises, and discoveries of grace made unto them; their daily infirmities, and many sins of life, because they are committed against a God of love, grace, and mercy, grieve the Spirit, and dishonour the Gospel of Christ: who mourn also for the sins of others, for the sins of the world, the profaneness and wickedness that abound in it; and more especially for the sins of professors, by reason of which, the name of God, and ways of Christ, are evil spoken of: who likewise mourn under afflictions, spiritual ones, temptations, desertions, and declensions; temporal ones, their own, which they receive, either more immediately from the hand of God, or from men; such as they endure for the sake of Christ, and the profession of his Gospel; and who sympathize with others in their afflictions. These, how sorrowful and distressed soever they may appear, are blessed for they shall be comforted: here in this life, by the God of all comfort, by Christ the comforter; by the Spirit of God, whose work and office it is to comfort; by the Scriptures of truth, which are written for their consolation; by the promises of the Gospel, through which the heirs of promise have strong consolation; by the ordinances of it, which are breasts of consolation; and by the ministers of the word, who have a commission from the Lord to speak comfortably to them; and then are they comforted, when they have the discoveries of the love of God, manifestations of pardoning grace, through the blood of Christ, and enjoy the divine presence: and they shall be comforted hereafter; when freed from all the troubles of this life, they shall be blessed with uninterrupted communion with Father, Son, and Spirit, and with the happy society of angels and glorified saints. Isa 61:1 seems to be referred to, both in this, and in the preceding verse.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
5:4 Those who mourn were those who lamented the spiritual and national condition of Israel (see 23:37-39; Isa 61:2-3; Joel 1:8-13; 2:12-13, 18-19; Rom 9:1-5; 1 Cor 5:2; Jas 4:9). Personal grief, whether caused by sin or tragedy, may also be in view (Mark 16:10; Rev 18:11, 19). • will be comforted: The passive voice is used out of reverence for the holy name of God; the phrase could also be rendered God will comfort them (see also Matt 5:6-7, 9). Comfort will accompany the fulfillment of all that God has promised (Isa 40:1-2; 61:2-3).